Redemption Review

Redemption by Laurel Dewey is the second Jane Perry novel following the debut, Protector. Jane has left the Denver Police Department to work as a private investigator. After a series of unsuccessful cases, Jane finds herself down on her luck and attending a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

While grabbing a smoke outside the meeting she meets a woman who appears to be crazy, but seems to know more about Jane than she should.

Jane tries to get away from the woman, but out of desperation finally agrees to help the her get from Colorado to California when Jane is offered $5,000 for the trip.

The woman, Kit Clark, is dying of cancer. Kit found out a man who she believes kidnapped and killed her 14-year-old granddaughter ten years before has kidnapped again, this time a 12-year-old girl in California. The man recently got out of prison on a technicality and Kit is hoping that Jane will help her track down the kidnapper and bring him to justice before he kills again.

As they travel cross-country, the two learn much more about one another as they also address Kit’s New Age beliefs and terminal cancer, Christian Fundamentalism, and Jane’s recovery from alcoholism. They also learn more about the alleged killer and his connection with a Fundamentalist church in Northern California.

The road trip with these two tough broads is a gritty look at a journey of desperation for both women. Jane came from an abusive family and her self-abuse from drinking and smoking helps define her character. Kit longs to help her new friend break from her horrific past as she is also dealing with hers.

Although Jane does not believe in paranormal activities, she experiences an increasing number of events that she cannot explain, while Kit adjusts to her medical-related death sentence.

Laurel Dewey’s private eye is a rough and tough former police officer who some may have trouble relating to or even liking. The harsh vulgar language wears after a while and sometimes takes away from the intriguing story line.

Although the story is filled with suspense, Jane’s personal problems and self-abusive behavior sometimes overrides the ongoing events.

Dewey masterfully sets up the ending creating a growing tension as she brings the fast-paced story to a close.

Those who are Jane Perry fans will find Redemption a worthy follow-up to Protector.